Crew 774
Orange County Council (CA)
Antarctic
Expedition 2026
Adventure of a Lifetime!
Are you ready for an exclusive and unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the Antarctic summer? Join Crew 774 for an unforgettable journey to the most remote and awe-inspiring continent on Earth!
This once-in-a-lifetime expedition offers Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venturing youth (minimum age 14) the chance to:
● Become Student Members of the world-famous Explorers Club
● Participate in actual scientific research
● Apply to Receive College Credit
● Receive a Campership (Financial Support): Grant funds will be applied on a rolling basis to all Scouts equally, based on when their applications and initial deposit were received.
Expedition Highlights:n
● Biological Research at Shag Rocks: Be part of history with ground-breaking benthic research curating specimens collected by SCUBA divers at this remote location (research permit pending).
● Unique Wildlife Encounters: See penguins, seals, whales, albatrossses, and other Antarctic species up close!
● Tierra del Fuego National Park: Hike and explore this stunning landscape in Ushuaia, Argentina.
● Historical Insights: Visit historic explorer Ernest Shackleton’s grave and abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia Island.
● Daily Landings: Enjoy breathtaking daily excursions to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands.
● Stay Connected: Complimentary internet access will be available to all Scouts, allowing limited communication with their educational organizations.
Why Choose This Expedition?
● Dive into Antarctic research, working with nudibranchs, gigantic sea spiders, fish with antifreeze in their blood, and other unique animals found in these mysterious waters.
● Land on ice-shrouded islands to explore the history of Antarctic exploration, including connections to Scouting’s own Paul Siple, Eagle Scout and Antarctic explorer.
● Earn merit badges such as Exploration, Nature, and Collections or work on portions of the Venturing Ranger Award during this trip.
TRIP ORGANIZERS
Jeffrey Bozanic, Ph.D.
Jeff began working in Antarctica in 1989 for the U.S. Antarctic Program. He is the Venturing Crew Committee Chair, and a Distinguished Eagle Scout. He has been recognized as a Fellow of the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographic Society.
Expedition Timeline
● Departure: February 12, 2026 (from Los Angeles via Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
● Vessel Embarkation: February 16, 2026
● Return: March 9, 2026 to Ushuaia, continuing on to Los Angeles and home March 10 (approx.)
Pricing and Cabin Options
Cabin Type — to be shared by Scouts*
Quadruple Porthole (4 Scouts sharing) $18,625 each
Twin Porthole (2 Scouts sharing)
$22,625 each
*Every attempt will be made to keep Scouts of similar ages in cabins.
PRICES INCLUDE: All meals on board, shore excursions, rubber boots, and specialized guides. In addition, all Scouts camp overnight on Antarctica and kayak. Kayaking fees for Scouts have been fully covered by a generous grant from Blue71.
NOT INCLUDED: Flights, airport transfers, hotels, departure taxes, personal expenses, food on shore, land based tours, travel insurance (mandatory), and personal clothing. As the trip nears, the transit arrangements will be made and billed. Estimated cost is $2,600. Note that BSA YPT and alcohol consumption rules will be followed on the expedition.
Elizabeth Morgan
Elizabeth is Venturing Crew 774 Advisor and National VOA Associate Advisor, as well as a former National Jamboree Scoutmaster. She is a merit badge counselor, and has lead numerous outings to Philmont.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Space for Scouts is extremely limited, especially for divers. Secure your spot with a $5,000 deposit (non-refundable, transferable) and submitting the expedition application.
Payment Schedule
● With Application: $5,000
● By April 1, 2025: $10,000 total paid
● By June 1, 2025: $15,000 total paid
● By September 15, 2025: Balance of expedition fees due
Travel Expenses
Additional travel expenses will be billed and collected from Oct. to Dec. 2025 as those fees are finalized.
Contact Information
For more details and reservations, please contact: SCOUTING IN ANTARCTICA TEAM. Email: ScoutinginAntarctica@gmail.com
An Exclusive Antarctic Experience Awaits!
Don’t miss this chance to embark on a journey of discovery, exploration, and personal growth. Whether you’re diving beneath the waves, hiking breathtaking landscapes, or engaging with Antarctic wildlife, this expedition promises memories to last a lifetime!
All content, images and text copright © Jeffrey Bozanic (except as noted). All rights reserved worldwide. No images or text may be copied, duplicated, modified, or redistributed in part of whole (except for printing for personal reference) without prior written consent from Jeffrey Bozanic.